PRNfeatured

PRN is a medical abbreviation for the Latin phrase “pro re nata” which means “as the need arises.”  Prescribing doctors use PRN to indicate that the frequency of the treatment is subject to the judgement of other medical professionals or the patient themselves.

I (like all the rest of mankind) suffer from an illness called sin.  The cure is found only in the mercy, grace and forgiveness that God provides in Jesus Christ.  When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are assured of an eternal cure of this disease. But while we are still in this temporary earthly home, we still suffer from this chronic illness.

Jesus knows that we needed his help in dealing with sin.  In Luke 5:31-32 he said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” As our spiritual physician, Jesus provides the prescription we need – his Holy Spirit.  He told his disciples in John 14:16-17, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.” He elaborated further in verse twenty-six, “…the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

The thing is, Jesus doesn’t force his cure down our throats.  He gives us free will to access his loving care PRN – as the need arises. My problem is that all too often my sin blinds me to my intense need for spiritual medicine.  I try to do life relying on my own inadequate strength and wisdom.  It is not surprising that I then suffer from an from maladies like self-absorption, pride and fear (none of which are healthy). I suspect I am not the only one that suffers from this problem!  Our need is so great, we should be accessing our spiritual medicine 24/7.  I think it is okay to be addicted to relying on the Holy Spirit!

Scripture reminds us repeatedly of our neediness as well as the help our loving God makes available.

“But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay” (Psalm 40:17).

“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (Isaiah 58:11).

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).

The beautiful thing is that as we begin to more frequently recognize our spiritual neediness and access his forgiveness and healing, we are able to share the riches of those blessings with others.  The apostle Paul describes the outcome of this beautiful cycle.

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

“Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life” (Philippians 2:15-16).

This painting is based on the verse above and is titled “Shine.”  As we more frequently recognize that our spiritual “need arises” all day, every day, Christ’s healing love and mercy begins to shine into the dark corners of our lives and into the lives of those around us.  My prayer is that God will bless each of us not only with a heightened realization of our neediness but also a desire to seek and serve him as he infuses our lives with his healing touch.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can “shine like stars in the sky!”

About the author

Sharon Collins

Thanks for visiting Becoming His Masterpiece! I write Christian devotionals to accompany my abstract paintings. In reality, I am just the hand that holds the brush and taps the keyboard. The Creator of all things is the true author and painter. I hope this site will bless you while on your life long journey to Becoming His Masterpiece. That journey begins when we say YES to Jesus Christ.

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